Lets start by saying: I get plenty of credit for what I do.
As the so-called breadwinner, I have clearly defined goals in my job that result in clearly defined compensation. I bring home that compensation and it is credited as part of my contribution to the family. Working the longer hours job, I struggle with a lot of things. I spend a lot of time away and I know that I dont do as much at home as I should. I come home tired from work (mentally, sometimes physically too) and dont get myself moving so well. I dont spend as much time with my family as I would like and I dont take care of the kids as much as I would like. Most importantly I dont get to see you as much as I would like.
I fight through each day knowing that I am providing a good life for my family and that I am trying hard to be a good husband. I wake up at 4:30 and go to bed late so I can see you. I work hard to bring home money and try to make sure I dont bring work home with me. I do the cooking when we cook at home, and I try to do some of the laundry too. On occasion I vacuum and mop and maybe get a bit wild and dust. In the evenings i get the kids fed and down for bed when i can so that you can take it easy.
So, why do I do all this?
Because I know that when I woke up I had at least 15 minutes to collect my wits, you probably woke to a screaming child. Before I left I put a bottle upstairs because I knew the younger one would be hungry and that's no way to wake up momma. I cook because you like it when I do and it's less work for you. I know that the house looks as good as it does because you have been following our natural disasters around putting it back together. I vacuum because I suck at seeing messes, so that's something I can do to help. I play with the kids because you have managed not only to play with them, but somehow make it educational, which blows my mind. I put them to bed because I think about all you have done in a single day and it makes me want to hibernate.
To put it simply, I do all of this because I know that while I may be putting in more hours at a job that pays the bills, you are putting in more hours on a job that pays the family happiness.
You might think I dont notice or appreciate what you do. You couldn't be more mistaken. I am in awe of all you accomplish. Especially on those "lazy days" you keep telling me you had... you know, the ones where you cleaned, did dishes, taught the kids to riverdance, dug the Grand Canyon, solved global warming, and stopped world hunger, but still "feel like nothing got done." I am sorry I dont say it more often, but you are amazing, thank you for all you do, and I love you.
